Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Panda Express String Bean Chicken is a popular dish known for its savory and light flavors. The tender chicken is stir-fried with crisp string beans and coated in a mild yet flavorful ginger soy sauce. This dish is a fantastic balance of savory and slightly sweet, with the chicken and vegetables perfectly complementing each other. It’s a healthier option compared to many other fast food dishes, offering a delicious, low-calorie choice that is quick and easy to make at home.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 lb fresh string beans (trimmed)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ginger (minced)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and stir-fry until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining oil and sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add the string beans to the pan and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they start to become tender but still crisp.
- While the beans are cooking, mix the soy sauce, chicken broth, oyster sauce, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil in a small bowl to create the sauce.
- Add the chicken back to the pan along with the sauce, stirring well to coat the chicken and beans evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more soy sauce or pepper to your liking.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 20-22 minutes
Variations
- Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- For a spicy version, include red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers in the stir-fry.
- Use broccoli instead of string beans for a different vegetable option.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover String Bean Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or stir-fry briefly over low heat until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen string beans?
Yes, you can use frozen string beans, but fresh beans give a better texture.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add chili flakes or fresh chopped peppers to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Is this dish gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure the oyster sauce is gluten-free, the dish will be gluten-free.
Can I make this with tofu instead of chicken?
Yes, substitute tofu for chicken to make a vegetarian version of this dish.
Conclusion
Panda Express String Bean Chicken is a flavorful and healthier alternative to many takeout options. With its combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. Try it out and bring the taste of Panda Express into your own kitchen!
PrintPanda Express String Bean Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and savory dish from Panda Express, featuring tender chicken stir-fried with crisp string beans in a flavorful garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 cups fresh string beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken slices and stir-fry until lightly browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same wok, add another tbsp of oil. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the string beans and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Return the chicken to the wok with the string beans.
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and water. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and beans.
- Bring to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Panda Express-style string bean chicken!
Notes
- For a spicier version, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the dish for extra flavor and texture.
- Make sure to stir-fry on high heat to maintain the crispiness of the string beans.